''Though “Atlas Shrugged” has long been a popular success with the general public as a novel, there has also long been controversy surrounding any screen adaptation of the work. In the 1970’s, producer of “The Godfather” Albert S. Ruddy almost inked a deal with Rand for the rights to shoot the novel, but the deal fell through because Rand insisted on approving any final script.

But now after 40 years, Mr. Ruddy has finally landed the rights to adapt “Atlas Shrugged” for the home screen.''